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Britain’s television industry is at risk of being swallowed up by American
multinationals that will put profits before creativity, the chief executive
of Channel 4 claimed last night.

David Abraham, delivering the annual MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh
International Television Festival, played on nationalistic fears over an
American takeover to argue for political support for Britain’s main
free-to-air networks, including Channel 4 and the BBC.

“In just a few months we have seen a spate of deals that will reshape our
industry,” Mr Abraham said. “Our free-to-air channels [and production
companies] have become the must-have accessories amongst US media companies